With three seats up for grabs and only two incumbents running, 2020 already has the makings for interesting local politicking.

The door closed Monday afternoon on submitting paperwork to run for Maricopa City Council. The result is six candidates – four women and two men.

The race will be on the primary ballot. Councilmembers serve the city in general, not specific wards, so the top three vote-getters will be elected.

Julia Romero Gusse and Nancy Smith are seeking re-election. Long-time Councilmember Marvin Brown opted not to seek office again. Smith was selected to fill a vacant seat in 2014 and then was elected outright in 2016. Gusse also was elected in 2016 and had served 2010-14.

Bob Marsh, who previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, ran for council 2018, finishing fourth in a race for three seats. Linette Caroselli also ran for council that year. She is an educator, as is political newcomer Amber Liermann, a counselor at Maricopa High School.

Andre LaFond, a veteran, was previously a Democratic candidate for constable.

No one is challenging Christian Price in his bid for re-election as mayor of Maricopa. This will be his fourth term.

The primary is Aug. 4. Residents must be registered to vote by July 6 to participate. Early ballots go out July 8.

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